The Game Show Forum

The Game Show Forum => The Big Board => Topic started by: rwalker on September 28, 2008, 07:25:44 PM

Title: 25 Things you didn't know of WOF
Post by: rwalker on September 28, 2008, 07:25:44 PM
http://www.wheeloffortune.com/wwc/25things/ (http://\"http://www.wheeloffortune.com/wwc/25things/\")
Title: 25 Things you didn't know of WOF
Post by: abba on September 28, 2008, 07:32:16 PM
[quote name=\'rwalker\' post=\'198408\' date=\'Sep 28 2008, 07:25 PM\']
http://www.wheeloffortune.com/wwc/25things/ (http://\"http://www.wheeloffortune.com/wwc/25things/\")
[/quote]
I knew about some of those things.
Title: 25 Things you didn't know of WOF
Post by: TheLastResort on September 28, 2008, 07:33:47 PM
That freakin' wheel ways TWO TONS??!  What the hell is it made of, solid lead??!
Title: 25 Things you didn't know of WOF
Post by: Joe Mello on September 28, 2008, 07:37:28 PM
Decent list, but now I have to waste the rest of the night thinking what the original six categories were.

/Person, Place, Thing, Phrase
//Event, Title?
Title: 25 Things you didn't know of WOF
Post by: Hastin on September 28, 2008, 07:57:12 PM
Quote
Wheel of Fortune debuted in 1975 as an NBC daytime program with Chuck Woolery as host. The syndicated version debuted in 1983.

Wait, so you're telling me that [insert GSF meme here]!?
Title: 25 Things you didn't know of WOF
Post by: JerrysFeudinAgain on September 28, 2008, 08:23:02 PM
Is that wheel watcher pic from the mid-80's? Looks so retro.
Title: 25 Things you didn't know of WOF
Post by: JakeT on September 28, 2008, 09:08:00 PM
[quote name=\'rwalker\' post=\'198408\' date=\'Sep 28 2008, 06:25 PM\']
http://www.wheeloffortune.com/wwc/25things/ (http://\"http://www.wheeloffortune.com/wwc/25things/\")
[/quote]
 
While the article (to me) is mildly interesting and slightly entertaining, what really screams out at me is just how ridiculous the article's claim that all the statements listed were things that people didn't know about WoF.  While a handful out of the 25 might contain new and surprising information to your average viewer, nearly as many of the statements are almost certain to be common knowledge to the average or even casual viewer and there are even a couple of the statements that contain either false or inaccurate information.  

I guess I'm just really not much of a fan of articles that begin with the supposition that the people who are reading the article are either less informed or less knowledgeable than the author.

Uh-oh...another cranky Sunday...sorry about that...

Jake
Title: 25 Things you didn't know of WOF
Post by: Matt Ottinger on September 28, 2008, 09:25:16 PM
Quote
A "used letterboard" positioned at the side of the Wheel of Fortune stage helps contestants stay focused on the puzzle solving.
Wow, that's fascinating.  They really ought to mention the "used letterboard" on the air every once in a while, especially when somebody accidentally repeats a letter or something.
Title: 25 Things you didn't know of WOF
Post by: Jimmy Owen on September 28, 2008, 09:36:37 PM
I sometimes wonder why the used letterboard isn't shown on TV. They could at least keep a running tally on screen for people at home who want to play along but just tuned in.  
 
I haven't really watched an entire show from start to finish for twenty years or so, but I knew at least three of the items on that list!
Title: 25 Things you didn't know of WOF
Post by: jmangin on September 28, 2008, 10:11:12 PM
[quote name=\'Jimmy Owen\' post=\'198420\' date=\'Sep 28 2008, 09:36 PM\']
I sometimes wonder why the used letterboard isn't shown on TV. They could at least keep a running tally on screen for people at home who want to play along but just tuned in.  
[/quote]
If they did that, where would they put the category/jackpot/running totals from previous rounds/prize puzzle logo/no more vowels graphic/Hot Pockets sponsorship?
Title: 25 Things you didn't know of WOF
Post by: Casey on September 28, 2008, 10:19:37 PM
[quote name=\'Jimmy Owen\' post=\'198420\' date=\'Sep 28 2008, 07:36 PM\']
I sometimes wonder why the used letterboard isn't shown on TV. They could at least keep a running tally on screen for people at home who want to play along but just tuned in.  
[/quote]
And it isn't even unprecedented - all of the WoF computer games back in the 80s did exactly that (actually, it was an "unused letter" board, but the result was the same).  

But today, they'd have to find someone to sponsor its display.
Title: 25 Things you didn't know of WOF
Post by: Jeremy Nelson on September 28, 2008, 11:06:09 PM
[quote name=\'isucgv\' post=\'198424\' date=\'Sep 28 2008, 09:19 PM\']And it isn't even unprecedented - all of the WoF computer games back in the 80s did exactly that (actually, it was an "unused letter" board, but the result was the same). [/quote]
I think the "unused letter" board has been in every game so far, actually- even the ones in the '90s and 2000s.
Quote
But today, they'd have to find someone to sponsor its display.
Alpha Bits? Hooked on Phonics?
Title: 25 Things you didn't know of WOF
Post by: clemon79 on September 29, 2008, 12:12:45 AM
[quote name=\'jmangin\' post=\'198422\' date=\'Sep 28 2008, 07:11 PM\']
Hot Pockets sponsorship?[/quote]
Approves (http://\"http://www.buddytv.com/articles/my-boys/images/jim-gaffigan-6.jpg\")
Title: 25 Things you didn't know of WOF
Post by: Robert Hutchinson on September 29, 2008, 12:41:37 AM
I believe that the show's used letter board is also, technically, an "unused" letter board. Or at least it was back when Goen was hosting. If it still looks like it used to, they might not show it now because it's shamefully low-tech. (Or possibly because it would make it harder to edit out three passed turns in a row, like they like to do now.)
Title: 25 Things you didn't know of WOF
Post by: chad1m on September 29, 2008, 01:30:14 AM
[quote name=\'Robert Hutchinson\' post=\'198433\' date=\'Sep 29 2008, 12:41 AM\']If it still looks like it used to, they might not show it now because it's shamefully low-tech.[/quote]According to a former contestant...
[quote name=\'Steve McClellan\' post=\'79315\' date=\'Mar 24 2005, 05:19 PM\'][T]here is a plasma screen to the left of the puzzle board that I don't believe has ever appeared on camera. This screen contains the letters of the alphabet (removed as they're called), the category of the current puzzle, the Jackpot amount (when applicable), and the flashing words "PRIZE PUZZLE" (when applicable).[/quote]
Title: 25 Things you didn't know of WOF
Post by: Craig Karlberg on September 29, 2008, 04:17:50 AM
I knew some of the things listed there, but others intriuged me & got me wondering:

2.  As far as Wheel outranking My Name Is Earl goes, it could be possible if CBS has the hindsight to ACTUALLY air a prime time edition of the show

3.  A 2-ton Wheel would certainly have to be lifted by cranes or forklifts if they take the show on the road.

5.  If it costs $450K for the touch letterboard, I often wondered how much the originaal board costs back in 1975(or even 1974).

6.  If you really wanna get technical, WoF actually got started as a pilot in 1974 under the working titltle Shopper's Bazzarr

7.  Do they keep a running tally of the most used categories?

8.  If that's accurate, expect about 20-25% of the puzzles prepared to be used during the season.

15.  If they're sequestering the players like that, are they sequestered in seperate hotels away from their family & friends?

17.  If I was on the show, I'd need a 3"-6" platform just so I can spin that darn 2-ton thing.

18.  Are the players even "multitasking" here at all?

20.  That's easy!  That little wheel is probably no more than 1% of its bigger cousin's weight.

22.  Not even TPIR can say that in its 36 years on the air.

23.  Even so, her clapping has dropped by about 20-30% thanks to the "impatient" players wanting to spin the wheel.
Title: 25 Things you didn't know of WOF
Post by: geno57 on September 29, 2008, 08:08:51 AM
24.  If a studio audience member calls out the answer to a puzzle during a taping, the puzzle is discarded and replaced with a new puzzle.

And, of course, said audience member is taken out, flogged, shot, and beheaded ... as an example to subsequent audience members.
Title: 25 Things you didn't know of WOF
Post by: vtown7 on September 29, 2008, 08:18:51 AM
[quote name=\'Steve McClellan\' post=\'79315\' date=\'Mar 24 2005, 05:19 PM\'][T]here is a plasma screen to the left of the puzzle board that I don't believe has ever appeared on camera. This screen contains the letters of the alphabet (removed as they're called), the category of the current puzzle, the Jackpot amount (when applicable), and the flashing words "PRIZE PUZZLE" (when applicable).
[/quote]

Which has definitely changed since 97 when I was on - at that time, it was letters of the alphabet (only as 'lite ups' - with red squares around the vowels, just in case you forget), then a screen with our names on it, current round score, past round scores, and any prizes you were holding at that time.  Below that was a "ticker tape" display with the category.

And for the puzzle categories - along with person, place, thing, and phrase, would the other two be quotation and landmark?

Ryan :)

/was happy that there was only about ~15 categories when he was on
//and was happier that Before and After was the first one
Title: 25 Things you didn't know of WOF
Post by: chad1m on September 29, 2008, 08:28:38 AM
[quote name=\'vtown7\' post=\'198443\' date=\'Sep 29 2008, 08:18 AM\']it was letters of the alphabet (only as 'lite ups' - with red squares around the vowels, just in case you forget), then a screen with our names on it, current round score, past round scores, and any prizes you were holding at that time.  Below that was a "ticker tape" display with the category.[/quote]I seemed to recall seeing this somewhere in my game show meandering (before posting the McClellan bit), but I couldn't find any evidence to back me up so I kept mah yap shut. ;)
Title: 25 Things you didn't know of WOF
Post by: tpirfan28 on September 29, 2008, 10:24:31 AM
[quote name=\'clemon79\' post=\'198428\' date=\'Sep 29 2008, 12:12 AM\']
[quote name=\'jmangin\' post=\'198422\' date=\'Sep 28 2008, 07:11 PM\']
Hot Pockets sponsorship?[/quote]
Approves (http://\"http://www.buddytv.com/articles/my-boys/images/jim-gaffigan-6.jpg\")
[/quote]
Does not approve. (http://\"http://www.wsbt.com/news/local/28554039.html\")

Really a neat list.  In wheel comparison, how heavy is TPIR's wheel?
Title: 25 Things you didn't know of WOF
Post by: Clay Zambo on September 29, 2008, 11:11:35 AM
Re: that plasma used-letter display: yup.  You can see it in the 360-degree set shot on the WOF site.  (I miss the clacking of the old wooden board as letters were flipped during the speed-up round, I'll admit.  But I won't get nuts about it.)
Title: 25 Things you didn't know of WOF
Post by: jmangin on September 29, 2008, 12:05:38 PM
[quote name=\'tpirfan28\' post=\'198448\' date=\'Sep 29 2008, 10:24 AM\']
Does not approve. (http://\"http://www.wsbt.com/news/local/28554039.html\")
[/quote]
I hope it was pepperoni pizza and not one of those crazy ones like beef taco. (http://\"http://www.hotpockets.com/hot/products/products.asp?ID=366#10223\")
Title: 25 Things you didn't know of WOF
Post by: Tony Peters on September 29, 2008, 12:25:24 PM
Re: the 2-ton wheel:

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think that by "the wheel", the author means not just the wheel itself, but the entire base/contestant lectern setup as well.
Title: 25 Things you didn't know of WOF
Post by: dale_grass on September 29, 2008, 12:54:29 PM
[quote name=\'Tony Peters\' post=\'198459\' date=\'Sep 29 2008, 11:25 AM\']
Re: the 2-ton wheel:

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think that by "the wheel", the author means not just the wheel itself, but the entire base/contestant lectern podium setup as well.
[/quote]

\Hell, I'll even except "dais."
\\Anyone got a homophone pet peeve?
\\\Or homophonophobia?
Title: 25 Things you didn't know of WOF
Post by: clemon79 on September 29, 2008, 01:46:34 PM
[quote name=\'jmangin\' post=\'198457\' date=\'Sep 29 2008, 09:05 AM\']
[quote name=\'tpirfan28\' post=\'198448\' date=\'Sep 29 2008, 10:24 AM\']
Does not approve. (http://\"http://www.wsbt.com/news/local/28554039.html\")
[/quote]
I hope it was pepperoni pizza and not one of those crazy ones like beef taco. (http://\"http://www.hotpockets.com/hot/products/products.asp?ID=366#10223\")
[/quote]
For that authentic south-of-the-border taste, wrapped up in a shiatty crust and suitable for microwaving.
Title: 25 Things you didn't know of WOF
Post by: Dbacksfan12 on September 29, 2008, 01:56:00 PM
[quote name=\'clemon79\' post=\'198464\' date=\'Sep 29 2008, 12:46 PM\']
[quote name=\'jmangin\' post=\'198457\' date=\'Sep 29 2008, 09:05 AM\']
[quote name=\'tpirfan28\' post=\'198448\' date=\'Sep 29 2008, 10:24 AM\']
Does not approve. (http://\"http://www.wsbt.com/news/local/28554039.html\")
[/quote]
I hope it was pepperoni pizza and not one of those crazy ones like beef taco. (http://\"http://www.hotpockets.com/hot/products/products.asp?ID=366#10223\")
[/quote]
For that authentic south-of-the-border taste, wrapped up in a shiatty crust and suitable for microwaving.
[/quote]Yeah, I used to be quite the fan of these when I was younger; but I think they taste like absolute crap anymore.  I'm not sure if it happened after Nestle bought Chef America out, but all they do now is insult my palate.

As for the original categories...IIRC they were..."Place" "Person" "People" "Thing" "Event" and "Title"
Title: 25 Things you didn't know of WOF
Post by: MSTieScott on September 29, 2008, 01:56:49 PM
Quote
Vanna White surprises the contestants by greeting them before she gets her hair and makeup done.
Well, there goes the surprise.
Title: 25 Things you didn't know of WOF
Post by: Kevin Prather on September 29, 2008, 02:02:21 PM
[quote name=\'Modor\' post=\'198465\' date=\'Sep 29 2008, 10:56 AM\']
As for the original categories...IIRC they were..."Place" "Person" "People" "Thing" "Event" and "Title"
[/quote]
You don't think "Phrase" was in there somewhere? I'd put "Phrase" in place of "People", since I imagine "Things" would come around the same time as "People."
Title: 25 Things you didn't know of WOF
Post by: clemon79 on September 29, 2008, 02:04:41 PM
[quote name=\'Kevin Prather\' post=\'198467\' date=\'Sep 29 2008, 11:02 AM\']
You don't think "Phrase" was in there somewhere?[/quote]
I can tell you with certainty that "Phrase" was in there somewhere. And I would bet they combined "Person" and "People" for the purposes of their little trivia fact.
Title: 25 Things you didn't know of WOF
Post by: uncamark on September 29, 2008, 05:32:16 PM
[quote name=\'clemon79\' post=\'198468\' date=\'Sep 29 2008, 01:04 PM\']
[quote name=\'Kevin Prather\' post=\'198467\' date=\'Sep 29 2008, 11:02 AM\']
You don't think "Phrase" was in there somewhere?[/quote]
I can tell you with certainty that "Phrase" was in there somewhere. And I would bet they combined "Person" and "People" for the purposes of their little trivia fact.
[/quote]

It seems to me that in the very beginning, it was just Person/Fictional Character/Place/Thing.  No plurals.  Phrase, Quotation and Title didn't come along until later.
Title: 25 Things you didn't know of WOF
Post by: Robert Hutchinson on September 29, 2008, 06:11:15 PM
[quote name=\'dale_grass\' post=\'198461\' date=\'Sep 29 2008, 12:54 PM\'][quote name=\'Tony Peters\' post=\'198459\' date=\'Sep 29 2008, 11:25 AM\']lectern podium[/quote]
\Hell, I'll even except "dais."
\\Anyone got a homophone pet peeve?[/quote]
Sure. Mine is confusing "except" and "accept".

:-P
Title: 25 Things you didn't know of WOF
Post by: rwalker on September 29, 2008, 07:27:21 PM
[quote name=\'Hastin\' post=\'198412\' date=\'Sep 28 2008, 07:57 PM\']
Quote
Wheel of Fortune debuted in 1975 as an NBC daytime program with Chuck Woolery as host. The syndicated version debuted in 1983.

Wait, so you're telling me that [insert GSF meme here]!?
[/quote]


Woolery left wheel?(lmfao!)
Title: 25 Things you didn't know of WOF
Post by: rwalker on September 30, 2008, 11:56:09 AM
So, I was reading late and didn't comprehend, did they get rid of that trashy, wood, used letter board? They showed it on camera at least once, I wanna say during that 88-89 rerun abused season on GSN.
Title: 25 Things you didn't know of WOF
Post by: clemon79 on September 30, 2008, 01:27:06 PM
[quote name=\'rwalker\' post=\'198526\' date=\'Sep 30 2008, 08:56 AM\']
So, I was reading late and didn't comprehend, did they get rid of that trashy, wood, used letter board?[/quote]
Yes. Whether it was considered "trashy" or not, however, is a matter of opinion.
Title: 25 Things you didn't know of WOF
Post by: Don Howard on September 30, 2008, 01:50:23 PM
[quote name=\'clemon79\' post=\'198534\' date=\'Sep 30 2008, 01:27 PM\']
[quote name=\'rwalker\' post=\'198526\' date=\'Sep 30 2008, 08:56 AM\']
So, I was reading late and didn't comprehend, did they get rid of that trashy, wood, used letter board?[/quote]
Yes. Whether it was considered "trashy" or not, however, is a matter of opinion.
[/quote]
I rather liked it and would be proud to have it in my home.
Title: 25 Things you didn't know of WOF
Post by: Matt Ottinger on September 30, 2008, 02:30:13 PM
[quote name=\'Don Howard\' post=\'198535\' date=\'Sep 30 2008, 01:50 PM\']I rather liked it and would be proud to have it in my home.[/quote]
I'd rather have the wheel itself.

/Oh good, THIS again!
Title: 25 Things you didn't know of WOF
Post by: J.R. on September 30, 2008, 02:53:00 PM
[quote name=\'rwalker\' post=\'198526\' date=\'Sep 30 2008, 10:56 AM\']
So, I was reading late and didn't comprehend, did they get rid of that trashy, wood, used letter board?[/quote]
It may've been old and "trashy", but it did get the job done. Why would its condition matter when it was rarely seen anyway?
Title: 25 Things you didn't know of WOF
Post by: parliboy on September 30, 2008, 02:58:50 PM
[quote name=\'JakeT\' post=\'198416\' date=\'Sep 28 2008, 08:08 PM\']I guess I'm just really not much of a fan of articles that begin with the supposition that the people who are reading the article are either less informed or less knowledgeable than the author.[/quote]
It's doesn't start with that supposition.  It pretends to start with  that supposition, so that when people see stuff that they know, they  feel smarter than they really are.  And they watch the show because  they think they know a lot about it.